In the opening of his play Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare asks the famous question “When could they say till now, that talk’d of Rome, that her wide walls encompass’d but one man?” This line reflects on whether the ancient Roman notion of the “noble Roman” – an individual committed to civic duty and heroic virtues – still existed in Shakespeare’s time. Even today, we can ask ourselves the same question: does the concept of the noble Roman still exist in modern society?
What defined a noble Roman?
The ideal of the “noble Roman” emerged during the Roman Republic (509-27 BCE) and early Roman Empire. Nobility was not defined by wealth or birth alone. According to the Roman historian Sallust, true nobility meant having a “distinguished spirit” and pursuing glory and distinction through moral excellence and courageous acts.
Romans prized virtues like:
- Dignitas – sense of self-worth, dignity, and honor
- Gravitas – seriousness, wisdom, restraint
- Virtus – manliness, valor, excellence
- Pietas – dutifulness, reverence, patriotism
The noble Roman exercised these virtues by devoting himself to the res publica (the republic/commonwealth). He faithfully served the Roman state, got involved in political and military leadership, and was willing to sacrifice his life for Rome’s glory. According to Cicero, engaging in public affairs was the highest virtue of the noble Roman: “The whole glory of virtue is in activity.”
Did such noble Romans really exist?
The noble Roman ideal was praised by many ancient writers like Cicero, Livy, and Sallust. But did such paragons of virtue actually exist in Roman society?
Some exemplary figures seem to have embodied the Roman ideal. Cincinnatus was a farmer who became dictator and saved Rome from invasion, then relinquished power and returned to his farm. The Cato family was renowned for its austerity, moral uprightness, and civic duty over generations. Scipio Africanus, who defeated Hannibal, lived simply and refused offers of power and riches.
However, many historians argue that the “noble Roman” was more myth than reality. Actual Roman society was highly hierarchical and driven by pursuit of wealth, power, and status. Many politicians who claimed old-fashioned virtue were actually cynical manipulators behind the scenes. The Roman people also relished bloody gladiatorial games and public executions.
Ultimately, the “noble Roman” was an ideal to aspire to, but it often masked the harsh realities of Roman politics and society.
Did nobility survive the Roman Empire?
The idea of the “noble Roman” declined along with the Roman Republic. After Augustus founded the Roman Empire in 27 BCE, emperors held supreme power. Wealth and birth determined one’s status rather than public virtue. Romans became subjects rather than citizens.
However, virtues like dignity, gravitas, and pietas survived in Roman culture. Leading families clung to these values to distinguish themselves from the masses and justify their status. Even the chaotic later Empire saw examples of Romans who lived the old ideals, such as senator Boethius (480-524 CE).
When the Roman Empire collapsed in the West around 476 CE, the Church tried to uphold virtues like justice, temperance, and charity. But the chaotic Early Middle Ages lacked a central power to enforce civic participation. Nobility was associated more with fighting skill and loyalty to lords than public duty.
Did the concept revive in the modern era?
Traces of the “noble Roman” ideal revived during the Renaissance. Humanists like Petrarch discovered lost Roman writings extolling ancient virtues. Moved by Roman republican examples, Renaissance thinkers argued that nobility came from personal excellence and service to the state, not bloodlines.
This influenced Renaissance politics. Noble families like the Medici in Florence associated themselves with Roman-style civic patronage and portraiture. Republics like Venice claimed descent from ancient Rome and expected virtue and sacrifice from their leading citizens.
Enlightenment thinkers and American revolutionaries also adopted classical models. Men like Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin consciously tried to emulate Roman restraint, wisdom, and public spirit. Their writings and architecture borrowed heavily from Roman precedents.
Does this concept still matter?
While notions of nobility and virtue have evolved over time, core Roman values still resonate. Concepts like dignity, gravitas, and public duty remain relevant today. The Roman ideal of the noble citizen who sacrifices self-interest for the common good still inspires. It underlies modern notions of integrity, civil responsibility, and service.
At the same time, we live in a very different society from ancient Rome. Our system emphasizes individual rights over civic duties. Democratic values and diversity are prized rather than national glory and patriotic obedience. We also reject parts of the Roman value system, like its militarism and rigid social hierarchies.
Perhaps the most admirable part of the Roman legacy is not any particular virtue, but the pursuit of excellence itself. The Roman quest for glory and distinction translates today into aspirations for meaningful achievement, moral courage, and leaving behind an honorable legacy – ideals that still motivate. We may not have modern equivalents of Cincinnatus, but the basic impulse to lead a life of purpose and integrity remains an ancient and noble pursuit.
Conclusion
The “noble Roman” represented a classic ideal of virtue, sacrifice for the state, and civic participation. While this model often masked complex realities, it remained an aspirational standard to live up to. Traces of Roman values like dignity, gravitas, and public duty still influence views on leadership, good citizenship, and human excellence in the modern world. Though definitions evolve, the basic notion of what constitutes a virtuous, purposeful, and significant life retains powerful resonance even today.
| Virtue | Definition | Modern Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Dignitas | Sense of self-worth, dignity, honor | Self-respect, integrity |
| Gravitas | Seriousness, wisdom, restraint | Maturity, level-headedness |
| Virtus | Manliness, valor, excellence | Courage, achievement |
| Pietas | Dutifulness, reverence, patriotism | Loyalty, community spirit |